Title: CHECKMATE (1 – 3)

Starring:  Nadia Buari, Senanu Gbedawo, Naa Ashokor Mensah-Doku, Ekow Blankson

Synopsis:

An immigration agent unwittingly becomes involved in a drug trafficking scheme and must make a bold choice between making quick money or upholding the purpose of his position at the airport.

Review:

Senanu Gbedawo plays Kwame, an immigration employee that has political ambitions. He met drug lord, Kiki (Ekow Blankson) by chance and the two became acquainted. 

At first Kiki presented himself as a real estate developer and he introduced Kwame to the beautiful Caroline (Nadia Buari). Kwame was instantly attracted to her and although he was married with a child, he didn’t waste time sleeping with her.

When Caroline became a little obsessed Kwame ended the relationship but Caroline wasn’t ready to let go and threatened to tell his wife and the press about their affair. 

It turned out that Kwame’s new acquaintances were all involved in a plan to smuggle drugs out of the country. With Kwame onboard, the drugs would pass through customs without a hitch and to make sure Kwame played the game, Kiki hit him where it hurts (figuratively).

Kwame was faced with adhering to Kiki’s demands or losing his family and political career.

Let’s Talk. This movie sheds light on the crime of drug trafficking that not only happens in Africa but all over the world. Here the writer used the game of chess as an analogy of life. As quoted from the movie, you can be King or Queen but it all depends on what moves you make.

The main character, Kwame, made all the wrong moves and became a pawn in someone else’s dream. With his entire life on the line, only strategic moves would allow him to control his destiny and if not, he would continue to lose in a life of crime. Because Kwame knew his opponent’s next move, he was able to use it to his advantage and come out on top, thus checkmate.

In terms of casting/acting, it is well done. Nadia was perfect as the seductress. She didn’t make the character as serious or as psychotic as the “other woman” can sometimes be.

Naa Mensah Doku did a fine job as the naïve and loving wife. As for Senanu Gbedawo, he certainly has a cinematic presence about him; he played the lead character he delivered.  RECOMMEND 

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